According to Highways England, proposals to upgrade Selmeston junction have been withdrawn due to the potential negative impact on the South Downs national park.

The plans were put to the public last year with 78 per cent of respondents backing the need for improvements, Highways England said.

The public consultation was held from 27 October to 8 December 2016 with a total of 1,140 responses.

Ten events were held at venues near the A27 for the public and stakeholders including local authorities, landowners and businesses with more than 1,000 people attending the events, Highways England said.

Today (Tuesday September 26) Highways England has announced the results of the consultation and the preferred options for each location.

Mr Beasley said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation. It’s great to see such strong backing for improvements to the A27.

“People’s input has helped to shape our plans.”

A copy of the consultation report and announcement flyer can be found on the Highways England website.

Anyone interested in the scheme can sign up to receive updates at www.highways.gov.uk/A27EastofLewes.

Highways England said there would be an opportunity for people to see more detailed plans when they present the final designs at public exhibition events next year.